Year 12 students from Shireland CBSO Academy have completed a week-long work experience placement with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), gaining first-hand insight into the running of a professional orchestra.
The placement forms part of a distinctive partnership between the Academy and the CBSO, through which students are regularly immersed in a professional orchestral environment alongside their academic and wider musical studies. The Academy is the first state school in the country to be developed in direct partnership with a professional orchestra. This gives students access to rehearsals, masterclasses and behind-the-scenes insight into production and engagement.
Students Esme, Rachel and Jasmine took part in the programme, observing rehearsals, supporting library staff and engaging with a range of departments across the organisation. Each student also completed a one-to-one instrumental lesson and masterclass with CBSO musicians.
The placement included a project focused on audience development, with students supporting the orchestra in exploring how to attract and engage younger audiences, specifically those aged 16-25. The students presented their findings to departments towards the end of their placement.
Reflecting on her experience, Jasmine said: “Overall, I found the placement incredibly useful. Throughout the week, I learned about the different departments and roles within the CBSO, which helped me to better understand how an organisation like this operates.”
Fellow student Esme added: “I found learning about the full, all-round CBSO experience particularly interesting.”
Carloyn Burton, Learning Programme Manager at the CBSO, commented: “It was a pleasure having Esme, Rachel and Jasmine with us. They were punctual, observant and contributed well to all sessions.”
The CBSO performs across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, presenting more than 150 concerts each year. Alongside its performance programme, it works with schools and communities to help more young people experience and engage with live music. Through its partnership with the Academy, students spend time within the orchestra’s working environment, gaining insight into how a major music organisation operates in practice and linking their learning in school with real-world experience.
Jo Lawrence, Head of Sixth Form at Shireland CBSO Academy, said: “We’re committed to ensuring our sixth form students leave us not only with strong academic results, but with a real understanding of the world beyond school. Opportunities like work experience, masterclasses and careers talks are vital in helping students explore their interests, build confidence in professional environments and begin to shape realistic and ambitious plans for their future. These experiences make a real difference in supporting students to make informed decisions about their next steps.”
The Academy and its sixth form continue to prioritise opportunities that prepare students for life beyond school. Alongside academic study, students take part in work experience, masterclasses and careers talks designed to build confidence and develop practical skills in real working environments. These experiences help students to better understand different career pathways and support them in making informed choices about their next steps after leaving the Academy.
